Emberiza yessoensis breeds in Primorye in extreme south-east Russia, Honshu, Kyushu and formerly Hokkaido, Japan, Heilongjiang in north-east China, and in Mongolia, and it is a passage and/or winter visitor to North Korea (where it is also likely to breed), South Korea and the coast of eastern China. It is considered to be uncommon or rare in all parts of its range.

The species is thought to have a moderately small population owing to its apparent rarity within its range. National population estimates include: c.100-10,000 breeding pairs, c.50-1,000 individuals on migration and < 50 wintering individuals in China; < 1,000 wintering individuals in Korea; c.100-10,000 breeding pairs, c.50-1,000 individuals on migration and < 50 wintering individuals in Japan and c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.50-1,000 individuals on migration in Russia (Brazil 2009). Overall, the global population may number c.10,000-19,999 individuals. This equates to 6,667-13,333 mature individuals, rounded here to 6,000-15,000 mature individuals.

Trend Justification: The population is suspected to be in decline owing to on-going habitat destruction.

It breeds in reedbeds and edges of marshes along rivers and lakes, but in highlands also in wet meadows and drier grasslands. It winters in coastal marshes. Breeding occurs from May to July. Seeds constitute a major part of its diet but it will take insects and berries in the summer.

It was reportedly more abundant a century ago. While the reason for its apparent decline is not known it is presumably declining still because of the loss and degradation of wetland habitat within its breeding range, and the destruction of coastal marshes in its Asian wintering grounds.

Conservation Actions ProposedMonitor the population to identify trends and its status. Research the potential threats that may be driving declines and take appropriate measures to reduce these. Protect areas of important habitat.